ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1078: II International Orchid Symposium
NEW USAGE OF HABENARIA RADIATA AS A CUT FLOWER |
| Authors: | P. Sinumporn, S. Fukai, T. Narumi, N. Potapohn |
| Keywords: | ethylene, flower longevity, STS, uniconazole |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1078.28 |
| Abstract:
Habeneria radiata is a small and elegant terrestrial orchid native to Japan. It has also been used as a potted plant. The aim of this work was to examine the possibility of H. radiata for use as a cut flower. In Japan, tubers of H. radiata sprout in early April and flower between late June and August. Plant height manipulation is required for adoption in a wide range of uses as a cut flower. Reducing light intensity is an easy and effective method to increase plant height; both 50 and 70% shading increased plant height of H. radiate by 30%. Uniconazole is an effective growth retardant, and application to the soil was more effective than a foliage spray. By controlling shading and the application of growth retardant, H. radiate can be produced at a plant height from 7 to 30 cm. Flower longevity is also an important factor for a successful cut flower. Silver thiosulfate (STS) pretreatment increased flower longevity of H. radiate, suggesting the flower is ethylene sensitive. Sucrose (1 to 3%) in a vase solution also enhanced flower longevity and produced larger sized flowers. STS-treated cut H. radiate flowers kept in a vase solution containing sucrose showed over two weeks vase life. Here, we discuss the potential of H. radiate as a new cut flower. | |
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